Have Changes Occured Between 1880 and Now?

Birds

Results

How have bird species changed from 1880 to now? Most of us would probably assume there have been changes between now and the 1880’s when the Champlain Society was holding field courses on Mount Desert Island (MDI). However, to properly answer this question, we compared the Champlain Society’s records from 4 years of field courses, to the past 4 years of eBird and iNaturalist data from 2018 – 2021 on MDI.

What we found was quite interesting! The Champlain Society recorded 98 species, which is less than half (47%) of the 210 species recorded in modern times by eBird and iNaturalist. Today, we see 35 more species with a ‘common’ relative abundance (n = 95), than historically recorded (n = 60). We also looked at changes of historical species, and found that 8% of these species increased in relative abundance (Table 1), 14% decreased (Table 2), and 76% exhibited no change (Figure 1). Table 1 also includes more notably increasing species that were not even seen by the Champlain Society but are now ‘uncommon’ or ‘common’ on MDI. Some examples of the 8% of historic species that have increased are Black-throated Blue Warbler (Figure 2), Blue Jay (Figure 3), and Eastern Phoebe (Figure 4). These species’ increases can be attributed to changes in the landscape such as human development, and the conversion of forests from boreal/coniferous to mixed/deciduous. Examples of the 14% of historic species that have decreased are American Woodcock (Figure 5), Black-crowned Night-Heron (Figure 6), and Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (Figure 7). These species’ decreases could be attributed to changes in the landscape such as the loss of boreal forests, fields, and the infrastructural development by humans on the island.

We also wanted to look more closely at the species observed today, that were not recorded historically by the Champlain Society’s efforts. There are 82 species not recorded historically, but are regularly documented by observers today (Table 3). These species are those whose ranges have shifted north due to climate change, and those that can be attributed to human-caused changes on the landscape. This could include the changes to more deciduous forests, human development, and non-native species introduced by humans (e.g., House Sparrow, European Starling, etc.). For a complete list of relative abundance changes by species see Table 4.


Species Changes

**Figure 1**. This figure shows the number of bird species recorded by the Champlain Society in the 1880's that have increased, decreased, and showed no change in realtive abundance from the 1880's to present day. Data collected on Mount Desert Island, Maine, USA, and provided by eBird and iNaturalist.

Figure 1. This figure shows the number of bird species recorded by the Champlain Society in the 1880’s that have increased, decreased, and showed no change in realtive abundance from the 1880’s to present day. Data collected on Mount Desert Island, Maine, USA, and provided by eBird and iNaturalist.


Notably Increasing Species

Table 1. This table shows the species recorded by the Champlain Society with noteable increases in relative abundance. Also included are species with intensive increases in relative abundance that were not recored in the 1880’s by the Champlain Society. There are 33 species that are now ‘common’ on MDI, and 19 species that are ‘uncommon’ that were not present historically. Data collected on Mount Desert Island, Maine, USA, and provided by eBird and iNaturalist.


Click to show table

‘R. a.’ = Relative abundance
Common name Scientific name R. a. 1880’s R. a. modern R. a. changes
Black-throated Blue Warbler Setophaga caerulescens very rare common increased
Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata rare common increased
Brown Creeper Certhia americana rare common increased
Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialis very rare uncommon increased
Eastern Phoebe Sayornis phoebe rare common increased
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra rare common increased
Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis very rare uncommon increased
Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria rare common increased
Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola not detected uncommon increased
Blackpoll Warbler Setophaga striata not detected uncommon increased
Canada Goose Branta canadensis not detected common increased
Cape May Warbler Setophaga tigrina not detected uncommon increased
Common Eider Somateria mollissima not detected common increased
Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula not detected common increased
Common Merganser Mergus merganser not detected common increased
Common Raven Corvus corax not detected common increased
Cooper’s Hawk Accipiter cooperii not detected uncommon increased
Double-crested Cormorant Nannopterum auritum not detected common increased
Eastern Towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus not detected common increased
Eastern Wood-Pewee Contopus virens not detected common increased
European Starling Sturnus vulgaris not detected uncommon increased
Gray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis not detected common increased
Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus not detected common increased
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo not detected uncommon increased
Great Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus not detected uncommon increased
Great Egret Ardea alba not detected uncommon increased
Green-winged Teal Anas crecca not detected uncommon increased
Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus not detected common increased
House Finch Haemorhous mexicanus not detected common increased
House Sparrow Passer domesticus not detected common increased
Laughing Gull Leucophaeus atricilla not detected common increased
Least Flycatcher Empidonax minimus not detected uncommon increased
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos not detected common increased
Merlin Falco columbarius not detected common increased
Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura not detected common increased
Nelson’s Sparrow Ammospiza nelsoni not detected common increased
Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis not detected common increased
Northern Gannet Morus bassanus not detected common increased
Palm Warbler Setophaga palmarum not detected uncommon increased
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus not detected common increased
Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus not detected common increased
Pine Warbler Setophaga pinus not detected common increased
Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena not detected uncommon increased
Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis not detected common increased
Rock Pigeon Columba livia not detected common increased
Ruby-crowned Kinglet Corthylio calendula not detected uncommon increased
Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus not detected common increased
Snowy Egret Egretta thula not detected uncommon increased
Swamp Sparrow Melospiza georgiana not detected common increased
Tennessee Warbler Leiothlypis peregrina not detected uncommon increased
Tufted Titmouse Baeolophus bicolor not detected uncommon increased
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura not detected common increased
Veery Catharus fuscescens not detected uncommon increased
White-breasted Nuthatch Sitta carolinensis not detected common increased
White-winged Scoter Melanitta deglandi not detected common increased
Wild Turkey Meleagris gallopavo not detected common increased
Wilson’s Storm-Petrel Oceanites oceanicus not detected uncommon increased
Wood Duck Aix sponsa not detected common increased
Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina not detected common increased
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius not detected uncommon increased



**Figure 2**. Black-throated Blue Warbler (*Setophaga caerulescens*) modern day distribution across MDI. Data provided by eBird and iNaturalist, 2018 - 2021.

Figure 2. Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens) modern day distribution across MDI. Data provided by eBird and iNaturalist, 2018 - 2021.


**Figure 3**. Blue Jay (*Cyanocitta cristata*) modern day distribution across MDI. Data provided by eBird and iNaturalist, 2018 - 2021.

Figure 3. Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) modern day distribution across MDI. Data provided by eBird and iNaturalist, 2018 - 2021.


**Figure 4**. Eastern Phoebe (*Sayornis phoebe*) modern day distribution across MDI. Data provided by eBird and iNaturalist, 2018 - 2021.

Figure 4. Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) modern day distribution across MDI. Data provided by eBird and iNaturalist, 2018 - 2021.


Noteably Decreasing Species

Table 2. This table shows the species that exhibited noteable decreases in relative abundance since the 1880’s. Data collected on Mount Desert Island, Maine, USA, and provided by eBird and iNaturalist.


Click to show table

‘R. a.’ = Relative abundance
Common name Scientific name R. a. 1880’s R. a. modern R. a. changes
American Woodcock Scolopax minor common rare decreased
Bank Swallow Riparia riparia common rare decreased
Black-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus erythropthalmus common rare decreased
Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax common very rare decreased
Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla uncommon very rare decreased
Canada Warbler Cardellina canadensis common rare decreased
Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica common rare decreased
Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota common very rare decreased
Passenger Pigeon Ectopistes migratorius rare extinct decreased
Pine Siskin Spinus pinus common rare decreased
Ruffed Grouse Bonasa umbellus common rare decreased
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris common rare decreased



**Figure 5**. American Woodcock (*Scolopax minor*) modern day distribution across MDI. Data provided by eBird and iNaturalist, 2018 - 2021.

Figure 5. American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) modern day distribution across MDI. Data provided by eBird and iNaturalist, 2018 - 2021.


**Figure 6**. Black-crowned Night-Heron (*Nycticorax nycticorax*) modern day distribution across MDI. Data provided by eBird and iNaturalist, 2018 - 2021.

Figure 6. Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) modern day distribution across MDI. Data provided by eBird and iNaturalist, 2018 - 2021.


**Figure 7**. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (*Empidonax flaviventris*) modern day distribution across MDI. Data provided by eBird and iNaturalist, 2018 - 2021.

Figure 7. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (Empidonax flaviventris) modern day distribution across MDI. Data provided by eBird and iNaturalist, 2018 - 2021.


Modern Species not Recorded Historically

Table 3. This table shows the species that are seen regularly (those with the relative frequencies of rare, uncommon, and common) on MDI, but were not documented in the 1880’s by the Champlain Society’s efforts.


Click to show table

Common name Scientific name Relative abundance
American Kestrel Falco sparverius rare
American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus rare
Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea rare
Atlantic Puffin Fratercula arctica rare
Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula rare
Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola uncommon
Blackpoll Warbler Setophaga striata uncommon
Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater rare
Canada Goose Branta canadensis common
Cape May Warbler Setophaga tigrina uncommon
Carolina Wren Thryothorus ludovicianus rare
Common Eider Somateria mollissima common
Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula common
Common Merganser Mergus merganser common
Common Murre Uria aalge rare
Common Raven Corvus corax common
Cooper’s Hawk Accipiter cooperii uncommon
Double-crested Cormorant Nannopterum auritum common
Eastern Towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus common
Eastern Wood-Pewee Contopus virens common
European Starling Sturnus vulgaris uncommon
Field Sparrow Spizella pusilla rare
Gray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis common
Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus common
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo uncommon
Great Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus uncommon
Great Egret Ardea alba uncommon
Great Shearwater Ardenna gravis rare
Green-winged Teal Anas crecca uncommon
Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus common
House Finch Haemorhous mexicanus common
House Sparrow Passer domesticus common
House Wren Troglodytes aedon rare
Killdeer Charadrius vociferus rare
Laughing Gull Leucophaeus atricilla common
Least Flycatcher Empidonax minimus uncommon
Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus rare
Lincoln’s Sparrow Melospiza lincolnii rare
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos common
Merlin Falco columbarius common
Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura common
Nelson’s Sparrow Ammospiza nelsoni common
Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis common
Northern Gannet Morus bassanus common
Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis rare
Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos rare
Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi rare
Palm Warbler Setophaga palmarum uncommon
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus common
Philadelphia Vireo Vireo philadelphicus rare
Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus common
Pine Warbler Setophaga pinus common
Razorbill Alca torda rare
Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator rare
Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena uncommon
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus rare
Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus rare
Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis common
Rock Pigeon Columba livia common
Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus rare
Ruby-crowned Kinglet Corthylio calendula uncommon
Sanderling Calidris alba rare
Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea rare
Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus common
Snowy Egret Egretta thula uncommon
Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata rare
Swamp Sparrow Melospiza georgiana common
Tennessee Warbler Leiothlypis peregrina uncommon
Tufted Titmouse Baeolophus bicolor uncommon
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura common
Veery Catharus fuscescens uncommon
Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus rare
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus rare
White-breasted Nuthatch Sitta carolinensis common
White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis rare
White-winged Scoter Melanitta deglandi common
Wild Turkey Meleagris gallopavo common
Wilson’s Storm-Petrel Oceanites oceanicus uncommon
Wood Duck Aix sponsa common
Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina common
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius uncommon
Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus rare


Total Species List Changes

Table 4. This table breaks down of all species recorded by the Champlain Society with their relative abundances from the 1880’s and today. Data collected on Mount Desert Island, Maine, USA, and provided by eBird and iNaturalist.


Click to show table

‘R. a.’ = Relative abundance
Common name Scientific name R. a. 1880’s R. a. modern
Alder Flycatcher Empidonax alnorum common common
American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus rare uncommon
American Black Duck Anas rubripes common common
American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos common common
American Goldfinch Spinus tristis common common
American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla common common
American Robin Turdus migratorius common common
American Woodcock Scolopax minor common rare
Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus common common
Bank Swallow Riparia riparia common rare
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica common common
Barred Owl Strix varia uncommon common
Bay-breasted Warbler Setophaga castanea common uncommon
Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon common common
Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle common common
Black Scoter Melanitta americana rare uncommon
Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia common common
Black-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus erythropthalmus common rare
Black-capped Chickadee Poecile atricapillus common common
Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax common very rare
Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla uncommon very rare
Black-throated Blue Warbler Setophaga caerulescens very rare common
Black-throated Green Warbler Setophaga virens common common
Blackburnian Warbler Setophaga fusca common common
Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata rare common
Blue-headed Vireo Vireo solitarius common common
Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus uncommon uncommon
Bonaparte’s Gull Chroicocephalus philadelphia uncommon common
Boreal Chickadee Poecile hudsonicus rare very rare
Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus common common
Brown Creeper Certhia americana rare common
Canada Warbler Cardellina canadensis common rare
Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum common common
Chestnut-sided Warbler Setophaga pensylvanica common common
Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica common rare
Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina common common
Common Loon Gavia immer uncommon common
Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor common common
Common Tern Sterna hirundo common common
Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas common common
Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis common common
Downy Woodpecker Dryobates pubescens common common
Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialis very rare uncommon
Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus uncommon rare
Eastern Phoebe Sayornis phoebe rare common
Golden-crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa common common
Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias common common
Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca uncommon common
Hairy Woodpecker Dryobates villosus common common
Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus common common
Herring Gull Larus argentatus common common
Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea rare very rare
Leach’s Storm-Petrel Hydrobates leucorhous rare rare
Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla common common
Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes uncommon common
Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis very rare very rare
Magnolia Warbler Setophaga magnolia common common
Nashville Warbler Leiothlypis ruficapilla common uncommon
Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus common common
Northern Harrier Circus hudsonius rare uncommon
Northern Parula Setophaga americana common common
Northern Waterthrush Parkesia noveboracensis rare rare
Osprey Pandion haliaetus common common
Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla common common
Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos very rare very rare
Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps rare very rare
Pine Siskin Spinus pinus common rare
Purple Finch Haemorhous purpureus common common
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra rare common
Red-breasted Nuthatch Sitta canadensis common common
Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus common common
Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis very rare uncommon
Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus uncommon common
Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris rare very rare
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris common common
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres uncommon rare
Ruffed Grouse Bonasa umbellus common rare
Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis common common
Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla common common
Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus uncommon common
Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus uncommon rare
Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria rare common
Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia common common
Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius common common
Swainson’s Thrush Catharus ustulatus common common
Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor common common
Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus rare rare
White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis common common
White-winged Crossbill Loxia leucoptera rare uncommon
Wilson’s Warbler Cardellina pusilla rare rare
Winter Wren Troglodytes hiemalis common common
Yellow Warbler Setophaga petechia common common
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris common rare
Yellow-rumped Warbler Setophaga coronata common common
Eastern Whip-poor-will Antrostomus vociferus rare very rare
Passenger Pigeon Ectopistes migratorius rare extinct
Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota common very rare
Purple Martin Progne subis rare very rare


Methodological Information

The historical dataset from the Champlain Society was collected from early July through the first week of September 1880 – 1883. To properly compare these data to modern day, we used eBird and iNaturalist data filtered to the same early July through the first week of September time frame, and over the same number of years from 2018 – 2021. To compare how often these species were/are detected, we had to create a qualitative descriptor properly assigned to the species as the historical dataset did not allow for a quantitative analysis. These designations were assigned based on the Champlain Society’s notes, and other sources describing species abundance around that time. For the modern dataset we used a count of the number of times a species was reported and designated a category based on these bins: < 5 = ‘very rare’, 5 > 20 = ‘rare’, 20 > 50 = ‘uncommon’, > 50 = ‘common.’

We used these detection frequencies to compare modern and historic times, and separated species with changes greater than one category into the ‘notably’ increasing or decreasing tables. For example, if a species was common in the 1880’s but is now uncommon, that would not constitute a notable change. Whereas, if a species was common in the 1880’s but is now rare, that would qualify as a notably decreasing species. We made this distinction considering the qualitative nature of our data with broad bins in which species were assigned, and on the basis that qualitative data like this should not be used to distinguish fine scale details.

Insects

Results

How have insects species changed from 1900 to now? To answer this question, we first delved into the efforts of the iNaturalist community and compared this to a historical collection of insects compiled by Proctor in the early 1900’s. On the initial look at these data, there was a stark difference between the two datasets. Proctor had collected 1360 species, while the iNaturalist community over the last 10 years only identified 362 species. Much of this can be attributed to the difference in methods: Proctor’s specimen collection method vs. the far less invasive photo documentation of iNaturalist. While iNaturalist’s methods are much safer and less invasive, there are limitations as many insects can only be identified to species in the hand with equipment such as loupes, microscopes, etc. This means we need your help!! Community efforts by citizens scientists are invaluable, and can accomplish documentation on scales matched by no other. In order to properly make inferences from the iNaturalist dataset, we need more effort in and around Acadia National Park to document more species that are present in the area.

The modern iNaturalist community identified 20% (n = 274) of the 1360 species that Proctor documented in the 1900’s. Interestingly, the rest of the 362 species identified by the iNaturalist community (88 species) were not recorded by Proctor’s efforts, and were likely not present in the early 1900’s (Table 1). For a full look at the species diversity between all families, see Figure 1.

We also wanted to look more specifically at pollinating insects, and we saw a similar trend to the total dataset. There were 199 pollinating species recorded by iNaturalist, and 762 recorded by Proctor. iNaturalist recorded only 10% (n = 134) of the 762 pollinating species that Proctor documented. iNaturalist also identified 65 pollinating species that were not recorded by Proctor (Table 2). To look a little closer at pollinators, we explored just the bumblebees (Bombus spp.).

Threatened and endangered species were another category we wanted to explore the status of on MDI. Historically, Proctor collected specimens of a Maine endangered species known as the Edwards’ Hairstreak (Satyrium edwardsii). According to the MDIFW Endangered Species Program, this species today has only been found at three sites in southwestern Maine. The extensive reduction in abundance of this species can largely be attributed to the loss of their native habitat, pitch pine-scrub oak barrens, which have been reduced to less than 50% of their historic range (MDIFW Endangered Species Program, 2003).


Modern Species not Recorded by Proctor

Table 1. This table shows the 88 species that the iNaturalist community identified over the past 10 years, that were not recorded by Proctor in the 1900s. Data collected on Mount Desert Island, Maine, USA, and provided by iNaturalist and the National Park Service.


Click to show table

Order Super family Family Scientific name Common name
16 Hymenoptera Apoidea Apidae Bombus griseocollis Brown-belted Bumble Bee
17 Hymenoptera Apoidea Apidae Bombus impatiens Common Eastern Bumble Bee
87 Hymenoptera Apoidea Apidae Xylocopa virginica Eastern Carpenter Bee
18 Lepidoptera Bombycoidea Saturniidae Callosamia promethea Promethea Silkmoth
45 Lepidoptera Bombycoidea Sphingidae Hemaris aethra Diervilla Clearwing
59 Lepidoptera Bombycoidea Sphingidae Manduca sexta Carolina Sphinx
13 Lepidoptera Gelechioidea Gelechiidae Arogalea cristifasciella White Stripe-backed Moth
41 Lepidoptera Gelechioidea Autostichidae Gerdana caritella
79 Lepidoptera Gelechioidea Gelechiidae Scrobipalpula manierreorum
48 Lepidoptera Geometroidea Geometridae Idaea dimidiata Single-dotted Wave
56 Lepidoptera Geometroidea Geometridae Macaria aemulataria Common Angle
57 Lepidoptera Geometroidea Geometridae Macaria pustularia Lesser Maple Spanworm Moth
63 Lepidoptera Geometroidea Geometridae Nematocampa resistaria Horned Spanworm Moth
76 Lepidoptera Geometroidea Geometridae Rheumaptera prunivorata Cherry Scallop Shell Moth
86 Lepidoptera Geometroidea Geometridae Xanthotype Crocus Geometer Moths
84 Lepidoptera Hepialoidea Hepialidae Sthenopis pretiosus Gold-spotted Ghost Moth
2 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Acronicta fallax Green Marvel
3 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Acronicta funeralis Funerary Dagger
4 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Acronicta insita Large Gray Dagger
5 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Acronicta oblinita Smeared Dagger
8 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Erebidae Apantesis figurata Figured Tiger Moth
9 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Erebidae Apantesis virgo Virgin Tiger Moth
12 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Erebidae Arctia parthenos St. Lawrence Tiger Moth
14 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Nolidae Baileya doubledayi Doubleday’s Baileya Moth
15 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Bellura obliqua Cattail Borer Moth
19 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Calophasia lunula Toadflax Brocade Moth
23 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Erebidae Chytolita morbidalis Morbid Owlet
25 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Erebidae Cycnia tenera Delicate Cycnia Moth
26 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Notodontidae Datana contracta Contracted Datana Moth
28 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Erebidae Doryodes spadaria Dull Doryodes Moth
29 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Elaphria alapallida Pale-winged Midget
33 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Erebidae Euchaetes egle Milkweed Tussock Moth
37 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Eudryas grata Beautiful Wood-nymph
38 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Eupsilia vinulenta Straight-toothed Sallow
39 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Feltia herilis Master’s Dart
44 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Erebidae Haploa clymene Clymene Moth
46 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Erebidae Hypena manalis Flowing-line Snout
52 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Lithophane baileyi Bailey’s Pinion Moth
54 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Erebidae Lophocampa caryae Hickory Tussock Moth
58 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Maliattha synochitis Black-dotted Glyph
62 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Erebidae Mycterophora inexplicata Pale-edged Snout Moth
64 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Neoligia exhausta Exhausted Brocade
65 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing
67 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Oligia strigilis Marbled Minor
68 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Erebidae Panopoda rufimargo Red-lined Panopoda Moth
75 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Psectraglaea carnosa Pink Sallow
88 Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Erebidae Zanclognatha laevigata Variable Fan-foot
7 Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Hesperiidae Anatrytone logan Delaware Skipper
20 Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Hesperiidae Carterocephalus mandan Arctic Skipper
21 Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Lycaenidae Celastrina lucia Northern Azure
24 Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Nymphalidae Coenonympha california Common Ringlet
31 Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Hesperiidae Epargyreus clarus Silver-spotted Skipper
32 Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Hesperiidae Erynnis juvenalis Juvenal’s Duskywing
42 Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Lycaenidae Glaucopsyche lygdamus Silvery Blue
49 Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Nymphalidae Lethe anthedon Northern Pearly-eye
50 Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Nymphalidae Lethe appalachia Appalachian Brown
51 Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Nymphalidae Limenitis arthemis arthemis American White Admiral
53 Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Hesperiidae Lon hobomok Hobomok Skipper
55 Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Lycaenidae Lycaena phlaeas hypophlaeas Eastern American Copper
60 Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Nymphalidae Megisto cymela Little Wood Satyr
66 Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Nymphalidae Nymphalis l-album Compton Tortoiseshell
69 Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Papilionidae Papilio canadensis Canadian Tiger Swallowtail
70 Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Papilionidae Papilio polyxenes Black Swallowtail
72 Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Nymphalidae Phyciodes cocyta Northern Crescent
77 Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Lycaenidae Satyrium liparops Striped Hairstreak
82 Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Nymphalidae Speyeria cybele Great Spangled Fritillary
85 Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Hesperiidae Thymelicus lineola Essex Skipper
40 Lepidoptera Pterophoroidea Pterophoridae Geina buscki Buck’s Plume Moth
6 Lepidoptera Pyraloidea Crambidae Anania hortulata Small Magpie
27 Lepidoptera Pyraloidea Crambidae Donacaula longirostrallus Long-beaked Donacaula Moth
30 Lepidoptera Pyraloidea Crambidae Eoparargyractis plevie
47 Lepidoptera Pyraloidea Pyralidae Hypsopygia olinalis Yellow-fringed Dolichomia Moth
61 Lepidoptera Pyraloidea Crambidae Microcrambus biguttellus Gold-striped Grass-veneer
74 Lepidoptera Pyraloidea Pyralidae Pococera expandens Striped Oak Webworm Moth
78 Lepidoptera Pyraloidea Crambidae Scoparia biplagialis Double-striped Scoparia Moth
80 Lepidoptera Pyraloidea Crambidae Sitochroa palealis Carrot Seed Moth
83 Lepidoptera Sphingoidea Sphingidae Sphinx poecila Northern Apple Sphinx
1 Lepidoptera Tortricoidea Tortricidae Acleris forsskaleana Maple Leaftier Moth
11 Lepidoptera Tortricoidea Tortricidae Archips dissitana Boldly-marked Archips Moth
22 Lepidoptera Tortricoidea Tortricidae Cenopis reticulatana Reticulated Fruitworm Moth
35 Lepidoptera Tortricoidea Tortricidae Eucosma ochroterminana Buff-tipped Eucosma Moth
36 Lepidoptera Tortricoidea Tortricidae Eucosma parmatana Aster Eucosma Moth
43 Lepidoptera Tortricoidea Tortricidae Gymnandrosoma punctidiscanum Dotted Gymnandrosoma Moth
71 Lepidoptera Tortricoidea Tortricidae Pelochrista derelicta Derelict Pelochrista Moth
73 Lepidoptera Tortricoidea Tortricidae Platynota exasperatana Exasperating Platynota Moth
81 Lepidoptera Tortricoidea Tortricidae Sparganothis tristriata Three-streaked Sparganothis Moth
10 Lepidoptera Zygaenoidea Limacodidae Apoda biguttata Shagreened Slug Moth
34 Lepidoptera Zygaenoidea Limacodidae Euclea delphinii Spiny Oak-slug Moth


Comparisons by Insect Families

**Figure 1**. Comparison of the number of species by family from modern iNaturalist data and historical data collected by Proctor in the 1900's. Data collected on Mount Desert Island, Maine, USA, and provided by iNaturalist and the National Park Service.

Figure 1. Comparison of the number of species by family from modern iNaturalist data and historical data collected by Proctor in the 1900’s. Data collected on Mount Desert Island, Maine, USA, and provided by iNaturalist and the National Park Service.


Pollinators

Table 2. This table shows the 65 pollinating species that the iNaturalist community identified and were not recorded by Proctor in the 1900s. Data collected on Mount Desert Island, Maine, USA, and provided by iNaturalist and the National Park Service.


Click to show table

Order Super family Family Scientific name Common name
Hymenoptera Apoidea Apidae Bombus griseocollis Brown-belted Bumble Bee
Hymenoptera Apoidea Apidae Bombus impatiens Common Eastern Bumble Bee
Hymenoptera Apoidea Apidae Xylocopa virginica Eastern Carpenter Bee
Lepidoptera Geometroidea Geometridae Idaea dimidiata Single-dotted Wave
Lepidoptera Geometroidea Geometridae Macaria aemulataria Common Angle
Lepidoptera Geometroidea Geometridae Macaria pustularia Lesser Maple Spanworm Moth
Lepidoptera Geometroidea Geometridae Nematocampa resistaria Horned Spanworm Moth
Lepidoptera Geometroidea Geometridae Rheumaptera prunivorata Cherry Scallop Shell Moth
Lepidoptera Geometroidea Geometridae Xanthotype Crocus Geometer Moths
Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Hesperiidae Anatrytone logan Delaware Skipper
Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Hesperiidae Carterocephalus mandan Arctic Skipper
Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Hesperiidae Epargyreus clarus Silver-spotted Skipper
Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Hesperiidae Erynnis juvenalis Juvenal’s Duskywing
Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Hesperiidae Lon hobomok Hobomok Skipper
Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Hesperiidae Thymelicus lineola Essex Skipper
Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Lycaenidae Celastrina lucia Northern Azure
Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Lycaenidae Glaucopsyche lygdamus Silvery Blue
Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Lycaenidae Lycaena phlaeas hypophlaeas Eastern American Copper
Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Lycaenidae Satyrium liparops Striped Hairstreak
Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Acronicta fallax Green Marvel
Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Acronicta funeralis Funerary Dagger
Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Acronicta insita Large Gray Dagger
Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Acronicta oblinita Smeared Dagger
Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Bellura obliqua Cattail Borer Moth
Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Calophasia lunula Toadflax Brocade Moth
Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Elaphria alapallida Pale-winged Midget
Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Eudryas grata Beautiful Wood-nymph
Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Eupsilia vinulenta Straight-toothed Sallow
Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Feltia herilis Master’s Dart
Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Lithophane baileyi Bailey’s Pinion Moth
Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Maliattha synochitis Black-dotted Glyph
Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Neoligia exhausta Exhausted Brocade
Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Noctua pronuba Large Yellow Underwing
Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Oligia strigilis Marbled Minor
Lepidoptera Noctuoidea Noctuidae Psectraglaea carnosa Pink Sallow
Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Nymphalidae Coenonympha california Common Ringlet
Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Nymphalidae Lethe anthedon Northern Pearly-eye
Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Nymphalidae Lethe appalachia Appalachian Brown
Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Nymphalidae Limenitis arthemis arthemis American White Admiral
Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Nymphalidae Megisto cymela Little Wood Satyr
Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Nymphalidae Nymphalis l-album Compton Tortoiseshell
Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Nymphalidae Phyciodes cocyta Northern Crescent
Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Nymphalidae Speyeria cybele Great Spangled Fritillary
Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Papilionidae Papilio canadensis Canadian Tiger Swallowtail
Lepidoptera Papilionoidea Papilionidae Papilio polyxenes Black Swallowtail
Lepidoptera Sphingoidea Sphingidae Aellopos titan Titan Sphinx
Lepidoptera Sphingoidea Sphingidae Ceratomia undulosa Waved Sphinx
Lepidoptera Sphingoidea Sphingidae Darapsa choerilus Azalea Sphinx
Lepidoptera Sphingoidea Sphingidae Dolba hyloeus Pawpaw Sphinx
Lepidoptera Sphingoidea Sphingidae Eumorpha pandorus Pandorus Sphinx
Lepidoptera Bombycoidea Sphingidae Hemaris aethra Diervilla Clearwing
Lepidoptera Sphingoidea Sphingidae Hemaris diffinis Snowberry Clearwing
Lepidoptera Sphingoidea Sphingidae Hemaris gracilis Slender Clearwing
Lepidoptera Sphingoidea Sphingidae Hemaris thysbe Hummingbird Clearwing
Lepidoptera Sphingoidea Sphingidae Hyles gallii Bedstraw Hawkmoth
Lepidoptera Sphingoidea Sphingidae Lapara bombycoides Northern Pine Sphinx
Lepidoptera Bombycoidea Sphingidae Manduca sexta Carolina Sphinx
Lepidoptera Sphingoidea Sphingidae Pachysphinx modesta Modest Sphinx
Lepidoptera Sphingoidea Sphingidae Paonias excaecata Blinded Sphinx
Lepidoptera Sphingoidea Sphingidae Paonias myops Small-eyed Sphinx
Lepidoptera Sphingoidea Sphingidae Smerinthus cerisyi One-eyed Sphinx
Lepidoptera Sphingoidea Sphingidae Sphinx chersis Great Ash Sphinx
Lepidoptera Sphingoidea Sphingidae Sphinx drupiferarum Wild Cherry Sphinx
Lepidoptera Sphingoidea Sphingidae Sphinx kalmiae Laurel Sphinx
Lepidoptera Sphingoidea Sphingidae Sphinx poecila Northern Apple Sphinx